REHB8037 Occupational Therapy Driver Assessment and Rehabilitation

2019

9

1 x 40-hour intensive workshop once-only
1 x 8-hour independent study weekly

1 Admission into GCCR-Graduate Certificate in Clinical Rehabilitation
1a Admission into GDPCR-Graduate Diploma in Clinical Rehabilitation
1b Admission into MCR-Master of Clinical Rehabilitation
1c Admission into MCRNOT-Master of Clinical Rehabilitation (Neurological Occupational Therapy)
1d Admission into MCRA-Master of Clinical Rehabilitation [1.5 years]
1e Admission into MHCR/R-Master of Health and Clinical Research
Must Satisfy: ((1 or 1a or 1b or 1c or 1d or 1e))

This topic is only available to qualified Occupational Therapists.

Assignments; Practical work; Tutorial participation.

Occupational therapists with postgraduate training are in demand to provide specialist assessment and retraining of driving for people with medical conditions, which is supported through the National Medical Standards for Assessing Fitness to Drive. This topic will provide occupational therapists with the training to be able to practice within this advanced area. Recognising the interprofessional collaboration, with licensing bodies, driving instructors and vehicle modifiers required within this clinical area, the topic will explore key issues that impact upon the driver assessment and rehabilitation process, including medico-legal requirements, state legislation, cognitive, perceptual, visual and physical function required, on-road assessment, and will assist students to appropriately communicate recommendations and reports following assessment.

The aims of this topic are to:

• Provide all necessary legislative and practical understanding in order to practice as an occupational therapist within this advanced area.

• Explore methods and practice assessments of physical, visual, perceptual and cognitive function.

• Review ergonomics and appropriate vehicle modification.

• Provide sufficient practical exposure to assessment.

On successful completion of this topic students will be able to:

1. Describe models of driver behaviour and discuss the application of the Assessing Fitness to Drive Guidelines and Standards for Health Professionals in Australia within the context of federal and local legislation, ethical and medico-legal requirements

2. Identify appropriate assessments of visual, cognitive, perceptual and physical function, and analyse these results for appropriate rehabilitation and recommendation

3. Determine appropriate vehicle modifications based on client assessment

4. Complete an on-road assessment

5. Formulate and communicate assessment outcomes and recommendations

6. Complete a written report considering all necessary medico-legal requirements

7. Critically appraise evidence to translate into practice

8. Communicate the role of OT driver assessor to referrers and clients.